Category: Australian News

Saline shortages in hospitals across Australia have reached disaster levels, it has been reported today. But what is Anthony Albanese’s Health Minister actually doing to protect our supply?

Saline IV bags are absolutely critical to the emergency healthcare provided to patients in Australian hospitals, but doctors are being forced to ration supplies of this essential fluid as shortages escalate.

Amongst this worrying crisis, Health Minister Mark Butler has been completely silent on the action being pursued by the Albanese Labor Government to ensure patients are able to receive the healthcare they need by guaranteeing saline supplies.

Last week, the Minister told ABC Adelaide radio that he does not believe ‘there has been any interruption to activity’ as a result of these shortages, but the advice being given to doctors in every hospital around the country makes it clear it is having a serious impact on our health system.

Shadow Minister for Health and Aged Care, Senator Anne Ruston said that, following these extremely concerning reports, the Health Minister must immediately stand up and assure Australians that their Federal Government is acting on this crisis.

“What does a ‘Future Made in Australia’ actually mean if the Albanese Government cannot even guarantee our supply of saline, which is essential to the operations in our health system.

“With it now reaching disaster levels, the Government must urgently commit to a nationally-coordinated response to the shortage of IV fluids.

“The Minister cannot hide behind the TGA on this issue. It is a matter of national importance,” Senator Ruston said.

The final stage of a long-awaited seamless North South Corridor has reached a major milestone, with a preferred alliance partner being selected for the nation-shaping project.

The project will be completed by deadline, but it’s likely South Australians will be able to enjoy the full benefits of the River Torrens to Darlington Project (T2D Project) even sooner than expected – with three Tunnel Boring Machines to be operating at the same time, instead of the expected two.

Once finished, the T2D project will allow motorists to avoid 21 existing sets of traffic lights between the River Torrens and Darlington and will complete the non-stop 78 kilometre North-South Corridor between Gawler and Old Noarlunga.

Following an exhaustive procurement process which commenced in January 2023, the consortium, comprising John Holland, Bouygues Construction, Arcadis Australia, Jacobs and Ventia, has been selected as the preferred alliance partner to deliver South Australia’s biggest-ever infrastructure project.

The successful consortium has confirmed it can deliver the T2D Project on budget, delivering significant travel, economic and community benefits for South Australians.

These companies individually have an extensive track record of successfully delivering major tunnelling and infrastructure projects around the country and internationally.

This includes WestConnex, Sydney Metro and Southwest Tunnel and Station Excavation and Sydney Airport Rail Link, as well as the Trunk Road T2 Project in Hong Kong and High Speed 2 Link in the United Kingdom.

Today’s announcement – taking place as promised in the third quarter of 2024 – provides further certainty that the T2D project is on schedule.

The consortium’s tender detailed a plan to procure three Tunnel Boring Machines (TBMs), instead of the two previously anticipated – which will mean both north and south tunnels can be constructed concurrently.

The three TBMs that will be used to excavate the T2D tunnels will be purpose-built for the local conditions they will encounter on this project.
The additional TBM gives us a reasonable expectation that this state-shaping project can not only be completed by the stated 2031 deadline – but even earlier.

The successful consortium’s design delivers the key features of the December 2022 Reference Design release, while providing further traffic and community benefits.

Enhancements from the 2022 Reference Design proposed by the successful consortium include:

• A connection free from traffic lights between the motorway and James Congdon Drive, providing seamless access to and from the CBD;
• Innovative tunnel portal arrangements that enable improved and lowered motorway sections with faster construction times and reduced costs;
• More trees planted to help green the corridor;
• Improved tunnel design and shorter cut and cover tunnel sections, which will reduce energy use and costs, and minimise surface impacts to communities next to the T2D motorway;
• Innovation for the construction of tunnel cross passages, and other systems elements of the tunnels; and
• Improved experience for active travel users with universally accessible paths, shared-use paths and active travel corridors, with regular safe east-west connections.

In the coming weeks, the construction consortium will set up the major construction site at the southern laydown area in Clovelly Park and engaging with local communities as early works continue along the corridor.

The T2D project will support approximately 5,500 jobs per year during main construction, with 90 per cent of labour hours to be undertaken by South Australians.

It will also deliver unprecedented opportunities for South Australian businesses, with more than 300 local businesses already registering their interest in being involved as a sub-contractor on the T2D project through the Industry Capability Network.

The consortium has committed to a minimum of 6 per cent Indigenous employment on the project, as well as more than 600 jobs for apprentices and trainees, and opportunities for more than 220 long-term unemployed people.

Main construction works are proposed to start in 2025, with tunnel boring machine works for the southern tunnels planned to begin in the second half of 2026.

Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese:

“My Government wants to use nation-building infrastructure to boost jobs, boost productivity and get people home safer.

“The completion of the North South Corridor will do all three.

“My Government and the Malinauskas Government are getting it done.”

Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government, Catherine King:

“The Australian Government is pleased to be partnering with the South Australian Government to deliver the infrastructure that South Australia needs, including the major investment in the T2D.

“The project will not only revolutionise the way locals move around their region, but unlock new transport opportunities for tourists to visit the area as well.

“Our Government is working closely with the South Australian Government to deliver meaningful projects and actions, ensuring our planning and investment comes together to provide the best and safest outcomes for commuters and communities.”

Premier of South Australia, Peter Malinauskas

“For decades, South Australians have waited for a non-stop trip from North to South through Adelaide.

“Finally, we are getting it done.

“This is a significant milestone – one that will see thousands of South Australians employed building the biggest infrastructure project in the state’s history.

“We’ll have three Tunnel Boring Machines operating instead of two – guaranteeing this project will be delivered on time.

“In fact, once the TBMs arrive next Summer, we’re hopeful the delivery deadline can be brought forward.

“Once complete, this project will see traffic move between West Hindmarsh and Darlington in just nine minutes, saving 30 to 40 minutes of travel time during peak hour.”

South Australian Minister for Infrastructure and Transport, Tom Koutsantonis:

“This is a historic day for South Australia, as we now know who will be delivering the largest infrastructure project in our state’s history – and we hope to deliver it earlier than previously anticipated.

“We are delivering certainty for South Australians by making good on our promise to award the Alliance contract for the River Torrens to Darlington Project by the third quarter of 2024.

“The successful consortium comes with an incredible wealth of knowledge and experience, and has committed to deliver the project on budget, providing South Australians with far-reaching benefits.”

Federal Member for Boothby, Louise Miller-Frost MP:

“This work will get the residents of Boothby home quicker and safer, and take thousands of vehicles off local roads.

“This is yet another demonstration that the Australian and South Australian governments are investing in the infrastructure Adelaide needs to keep up with growing demand.

“Once completed, the T2D project won’t just benefit locals in my electorate and beyond, but also the millions of tourists who visit the area each year.” 

Australian Greens Early Childhood Education and Care spokesperson Senator Steph Hodgins-May says Labor’s promise to increase early childhood education and care wages doesn’t go far enough.

Greens Early Childhood Education and Care spokesperson, Senator Steph Hodgins-May:

“Labor’s just signed off on annual childcare fee hikes that are higher than inflation. Pay increases for staff are crucial but they should come with universal free childcare.

“Labor’s announcement of a 15 percent pay rise for early childhood education workers is long overdue but doesn’t go far enough – Labor must commit to union calls for a 25 percent wage increase. 

“This is a workforce in crisis. For too long, educators have been underpaid and as a result are leaving the industry in droves. 

“Families across Australia are missing out on critical early education because of workforce shortages and childcare deserts. 

“If we want high quality universal early years education, we must invest in a sustainable workforce. That’s why the Greens want to ensure early childhood educators have well paid, secure jobs.

“Labor must commit to going that step further and paying our educators what they’ve been calling for and what they deserve, for doing the most important work imaginable – educating and caring for our kids.”

Reports that the contamination of landscaping products has not been resolved , despite the Environment Protection Authority (EPA) knowing about the issue, have triggered questions about why a crackdown on the industry has taken so long.

Greens MP and spokesperson for the environment Sue Higginson said “This issue was identified in 2013 and 2019, and the EPA was investigating further non-compliance in 2023 and earlier this year – so why has it taken till August for action to be taken?”

“These recycled materials are being distributed to sensitive areas in the community, and are being sold directly to backyard gardeners from retail stores too. Considering how widespread this asbestos contaminated material is being spread, it’s hard to fathom why action hasn’t been taken sooner,”

“The decision to not disclose the facilities and companies that have failed to prevent contamination in their products is not in the public interest and means that Councils, retailers and members of the community cannot take steps to protect themselves from buying products that might still be dangerous,”

“I welcome the announcement of a firm regulatory response and the ordered disposal of 600 tonnes of potentially contaminated soil material is a positive step, but it has come too late and too slow for people and entities that use these materials in playgrounds, health facilities and in suburban back yards,”

“I will be calling for the release of documents associated with the facilities investigated by the EPA, and will be putting questions to the Government about how and why this information was not produced sooner. We need answers about why the regulatory crackdown has been delayed when this issue has been known about for over a decade,”

“The failure of this industry has massive consequences for our community and the environment. It is difficult to see how this issue has been allowed to carry on for so long, we will be getting to the bottom of this issue one way or another,” Ms Higginson said.

Despite overwhelming evidence of the harmful impact on marine life and birds, the NSW Labor Government has announced its opposition to the Greens’ bill aimed at banning helium balloon releases in NSW.

Greens MP Kobi Shetty, who introduced the bill, expressed deep disappointment at the government’s refusal to take action on this critical environmental issue.

Kobi Shetty MP, NSW Greens spokesperson on plastic, said:

“Scientists predict that by 2050, we will have more plastic in the ocean than fish. If we want to protect our living planet for future generations, we need to act now. There’s no time for pointless delays from a government dragging their feet on basic reforms.

“It is deeply disappointing that the Labor Government have announced their opposition to our bill while simultaneously acknowledging that balloons are among the most dangerous forms of plastic pollution for birds and marine animals.

“This contradiction highlights a sad disregard for our environment and the Australian animals that will continue to suffer due to these avoidable pollutants.

“This bill was an opportunity to prevent the tragic deaths of countless animals and ensure a safer future for our wildlife. By blocking this legislation, the government is failing to protect our environment and the creatures that depend on it.

“Our community expects action, they don’t want this problem to be left for the next generation to deal with. The government needs to get on with this simple change, not take another year to get this done. 

“Other states have already recognized the dangers and introduced bans on helium balloon releases. NSW is lagging behind, and Labor’s inaction only exacerbates the problem.

 “We need proactive measures to address plastic pollution, and this bill was a straightforward step in the right direction. Labor’s opposition will be very frustrating for our community who are desperate for governments to act quickly to get plastic pollution out of our oceans.”

Significant forest industry players are trying to undermine Victoria’s ban on native forest logging on public land by using deceptive language to continue destroying native forests for profit, the Greens say.

Greens Spokesperson for Forests Senator Nick McKim:

“Revelations made by the ABC regarding the Healthy Forests Foundation are extremely concerning.”

“We cannot allow rebadged industrial logging companies to just rebrand to skirt the law and continue their destructive practices.”

“Logging operators are notorious for rising from the ashes and resuming their destructive operations under new names or in new states.”

“These companies pose a serious threat to the progress we’ve made in protecting our forests.” 

“Forestry Minister Julie Collins needs to clarify whether $1.4million in grant money awarded to the Dja Dja Wurrung Clans Aboriginal Corporation, or any other federal grants or subsidies, have been funneled to Healthy Forests.”

“Logging interests have for decades used public funds to subsidise operations which would otherwise be unviable, or used them for purposes different to those intended by government.”

Greens Spokesperson for First Nations Senator Dorinda Cox:

“I am concerned about the issues created by particular industries in relation to Blackwashing, the destruction of our country including native forests.”

“This is language I am particularly aware has been used in my home state of Western Australia.”

“We need to ensure that when we use terms like ‘First-Nations led’ and ‘Indigenous knowledges’ to describe practices, that they are in fact grounded in our ancient ways of knowing and being with the land as our mother and protecting her indigeneity through our leadership and stewardship.”

“I will continue to watch this development and speak to Traditional Owners from this area about the approach they are taking, to ensure that the agreements made actually offer and assert our sovereign rights as First Peoples.”

Struggling mortgage holders won’t be seeing rate relief any time soon as the Reserve Bank of Australia has said they are looking for ‘softer growth’ in Government spending before it could cut interest rates.

The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) told the Cost of Living Committee at its hearing in Sydney, that it had almost doubled its forecast of Government spending since Labor’s Budget, increasing from 2.1% to 4%, confirming that Government spending is driving inflation.

AMP economist Dr Shane Oliver told the Committee that wages had gone backwards by five per cent, and that the economy was at a risk of recession. He went on to tell the Committee that if Labor’s spending was lower, the RBA would be able to consider cutting rates.

Alan Oster, chief economist at NAB, told the Committee that sectors like manufacturing, hospitality, and retail were feeling the pinch of higher interest rates and lower consumer spending most acutely.

Both Dr Oliver and Mr Oster described Labor’s spending as “bad timing” and “unhelpful”.

Economics professor Richard Holden told the Committee that the Labor Government had delivered three very expansionary Budgets that were “putting upwards pressure on inflation.” He went on to say that the Government’s temporary measures that lowered headline inflation were a ‘trick’ and still added to demand.

Judo Bank economist Warren Hogan agreed, and said that the only way to get inflation under control was for the Government to get the policy settings right, including by getting more flexibility into the labour market.

The Business Council of Australia (BCA) highlighted the cost of doing business crisis that was also caused by higher inflation, noting record insolvencies experienced in Australia in recent months. Chief Economist Stephen Walters echoed the economists’ comments that a flexible industrial relations system was key to lowering costs and passing on savings to consumers.

Chair of the Committee, Senator the Hon Jane Hume said that the Albanese Government is ignoring the warnings of experts and running the Australian economy into the ground.

“Instead of showing restraint in their fiscal policy to be in line with the RBA, the Albanese Government has increased spending by $315 billion. That’s not what the RBA wants to see.

“The RBA has now pushed out any hope of a rate cut this year, and in fact they even considered lifting rates yesterday. That brings no comfort to Australian households who are struggling to cope with these higher for longer interest rates.

“Australians are poorer under Labor, and from the evidence we heard today, it’s clear that there is no end in sight to the financial pain households and businesses are facing right now.”

Coalition Senators Smith, Canavan and Kovacic called on the Albanese Government to act on the warnings from the RBA and the economists who gave evidence to the Committee today for the sake of all Australian households and businesses.

The Albanese Government have once again shown Australian families they care more about politics then tackling rising cost of living pressures and inflation.

Today’s announcement on child care wages is further proof that Labor is all about spin, not substance. It is abundantly clear that the Albanese Labor Government does not have a meaningful plan to restore the Australian way of life.

Labor has bypassed the independent Fair Work Commission process all at the behest of their union masters. Labor has traded away billions of dollars for a cap on child care fees that only lasts twelve months. This deal offers no real relief to Australian families who can’t afford child care or are struggling to find a child care place.

If child care fees grow at the 4.4 per cent cap over the next year, by the time of the election, out of pocket expenses will have increased by over 8 per cent under Labor – so much for cheaper child care. Families can plainly see that any benefits from Labor’s policies introduced in 2023 have been eroded ever since.

The Coalition wants to see higher real wages for all Australians, including hardworking childhood educators. But the key to meaningful wage increases is to bring down inflation and boost labour productivity.

The Prime Minister’s claims of up to $155 per week pay increase fails to take into account the ongoing cost of living crisis which will see around half of these nominal gains eroded by inflation. In December 2025, next year beyond the election, when this policy comes into full effect is when inflation is forecast by the RBA to once again jump up to 3.7 per cent – thanks to the Albanese Government.

The Treasurer has previously been caught out using nominal wages, not real wages, to claim Australian’s are better off. Labor does not learn – it continues to spin.

Working Australians have seen their living standards collapse under Labor because of soaring costs. Labor’s failure to break the back of inflation means hardworking families are paying higher prices, higher interest rates and higher taxes for longer.

Shadow Treasurer Angus Taylor said this policy announcement was another empty promise from a Prime Minister who is out of touch and out of his depth.

“All educators do incredibly valuable work for our communities. Of course we would like them to have better pay.

“But today’s announcement from the Prime Minister shows he doesn’t understand why Australians are under so much cost of living pain: Labor’s homegrown inflation.

“As the Reserve Bank Governor noted this week, government spending is adding fuel to the inflationary fire. That means inflation, and therefore interest rates, will stay higher for longer.

“The latest ABS Living Cost Index tells us that cost have soared by over 18 per cent for working families since Labor came to power.

“We have also seen real wages for employees fall by 9 per cent and living standards by 8 per cent.

“Australians are suffering immensely because of Labor’s economic mismanagement. Things will not get better until inflation has been beaten.”

Shadow Minister for Early Childhood Education, Angie Bell said early childhood educators deserve better than this Labor Government who continue to use them as a political football.

“Early childhood educators do an incredible job caring for and educating our youngest Australians, but the reality is that this policy is a pre-election sweetener, and an effort to appease Labor’s union paymasters,” Ms Bell said.

“Labor promised families cheaper child care, and yet 12 months on and out of pockets costs have increased by 8.4 per cent, and there are still no new places for regional Australians suffering from no access.

“What happens in two years when the 15 per cent has been paid and the cap on restraints is lifted? It’s Australian families who will ultimately foot the bill.”

The cost of living crisis is getting worse for Australians and the Albanese Government’s inability to manage the economy and their reckless spending is hurting families and businesses around the country

Today’s announcement is just another example of Labor delaying until after the election. After more than two years of promises they do not have a real plan.

Australian families deserve better than Labor.

Every day, parents trust early educators with the most important people in their world, and every day Australia asks early educators to do one of the most important jobs imaginable.

Today, we are making sure those educators are fairly paid.

The Albanese Government will fund a 15 per cent wage increase for Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) workers.

This wage increase will be tied to a commitment from Child Care Centres to limit fee increases. We want to make sure workers can be fairly paid without the costs being passed on to families.

This commitment will help retain our existing early childhood educators, who are predominately women, and attract new employees.

This is better for parents and better for educators. It’s also good for Australian business and creating greater equity for women in the workplace.

By improving access to quality early childhood education and care we can also boost productivity and workforce participation in the short and long-term.

Significantly, the wage increase also applies to workers in outside school hours care services – creating benefits for the parents of school aged children too.

This significant wage increase is an important next step in the Government’s reforms to the sector, building on the successful Cheaper Child Care changes.  

This will be phased in over two years, and include a 10 per cent increase from December 2024, and a further 5 per cent increase from December 2025.

This means a typical ECEC educator who is paid at the award rate will receive a pay rise of at least $103 per week, increasing to at least $155 per week from December 2025.

ECEC workers are some of the most important workers in the country and they deserve to be paid properly.

This $3.6 billion investment from the Government recognises the vital role that ECEC workers play preparing children for school.

To be eligible to receive funding for the wage increase, ECEC services won’t be able to increase their fees by more than 4.4 per cent over the next 12 months from today.

This is an important condition that will keep downward pressure on fees for families. Funding must be passed on in full to employees through increased wages.

This is a win for workers, a win for families and will help ease cost of living pressures.

Quality, affordable early education prepares children for a great start at school, contribution to their ongoing education and development.
And it lays the foundation for our nation’s future economic success. 

Since coming to Government, the number of ECEC workers has grown by more than 30,000, but we need more.

This announcement comes after the Government joined negotiations with unions and sector representatives as part of the ECEC supported bargaining process, made possible by the Secure Jobs Better Pay Act.

Combined with the Government’s Cheaper Child Care initiative, today’s announcement will help support the availability of early education and care for families and is a crucial step in charting the course to a truly universal early education system.

The Government has also received the Productivity Commission’s final report into early childhood education and care and will release it in due course. Government support for the interim retention payment will be provided for two years while the Fair Work Commission finalises its gender undervaluation priority awards review and as the Government charts a path towards a universal childcare system.

Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese

“Early educators shape lives and change lives. We can never thank them enough for what they do – but we can make sure they are properly valued and fairly paid. Today our Government is doing just that.

“Knowing your child is safe, happy and learning alongside their friends is priceless. Giving the next generation the best start in life is essential. Today we deliver fair pay for the people who make this possible.

“Importantly, this agreement will also keep fees down for families. Our cheaper childcare policy already delivered increased subsidies to over a million families. This will provide even more cost of living relief.

“This brings together the priorities that drive our government: real help with the cost of living, fair wages for workers, investing in the future and economic equality for women.

“This is a great day for everyone who cares about child care: the children who thrive in it, the parents who rely on it and the dedicated workers who deliver it.”

Treasurer, Jim Chalmers

“The early childhood education workers of this country deserve a decent pay rise and that’s what we’re delivering.

“We’re improving access to affordable early childhood education and care, boosting productivity and workplace participation, and helping Australians work more when they want to.

“Peter Dutton wants people to work longer for less, but we have a different approach.

“Our economic plan is all about helping people earn more and keep more of what they earn which is why we’re focused on delivering tax cuts for every taxpayer and strong and sustainable wages growth.”

Minister for Education, Jason Clare

“The child care debate is over. It’s not babysitting. It’s early education and it’s critical to preparing children for school.

“They lift our kids up and now we are lifting their pay.

“This means wages up for workers and keeping prices down for families.

“A pay rise for every early childhood educator is good for our workforce, good for families and good our economy.”

Minister for Early Childhood Education, Dr Anne Aly

“This is a wonderful outcome for a highly feminised workforce that has for far too long been neglected and taken for granted.

“We’re boosting the wages of early childhood education workers, while relieving cost of living pressures on Australian families.

“Properly valuing the early childhood education and care workforce is crucial to attracting and retaining workers and vital to achieving the quality universal early learning sector Australian families deserve.

“A quality early childhood education sector is necessary to support children’s learning and development as well as workforce participation in the broader economy.”

Canberrans are invited to join one of 28 group surveys during August to help get a better understanding of platypus numbers in the rivers and creeks in the ACT region. 

Minister for the Environment, Parks and Land Management Rebecca Vassarotti said the surveys are a great opportunity for citizen-scientists to learn how to spot a platypus while also helping researchers monitor local populations. 

“Late winter is the ideal time for spotting these iconic native animals, and this is done through a number of surveys over August, as well as through members of the public sending in incidental sightings,” Minister Vassarotti said. 

“There are over 300 spots available for the one-hour surveys, which will take place at dawn and dusk in the Upper Murrumbidgee area.  

“In addition to the surveys that collect valuable data, Waterwatch will be running four free walks on the Queanbeyan River and Lower Molonglo River for people to come together with family and friends to learn more about the platypus and see if they can try to spot any in the river. 

“I highly encourage anyone interested in becoming a citizen-scientist to come along to one of the surveys to help spot platypus throughout the year and also help us inform more of the community about the issues affecting platypus populations in our region,” said Minister Vassarotti. 

Find out how you can get involved in Platypus Month on the Waterwatch website, and take a look at where platypus have been found or report a sighting on the Platty and Ratty Portal.